The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three persons for allegedly tampering with a capped oil wellhead in Otuabagi community, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
The police also recovered tools suspected to have been used in the alleged operation, while three other suspects reportedly escaped and are currently being pursued.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Muhammed, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, explaining that the arrests followed a report received by the command on November 12, 2026, at about 7:35 am.
According to him, operatives attached to the Ogbia Police Division, working with the Community Development Committee, swiftly mobilised to the location and arrested three suspects.
The arrested persons were identified as Simeon Joshua Ezeke, Pere Thankgod and Gift Elijah.
Muhammed said three other suspects, identified as Richard Johnbull, Ken and Nabhel Moses, fled before the arrival of the police operatives.
Inside Bayelsa state:
Navy Raids Suspected Militant Camp in Bayelsa, Arrests Three Associates of Wanted Kingpin
Bayelsa Imposes 24-Hour Curfew in Biseni Amid Escalating Unrest
Bayelsa Police Arrest 50-Year-Old Pastor Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Two Teenage Girls
He added that tools believed to have been used in the alleged act were recovered at the scene, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The police spokesman said an investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the level of involvement of everyone connected to it.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Ajao Adewale, warned residents against tampering with or damaging public infrastructure and other valuable assets.
He described the protection of critical infrastructure as a collective responsibility and urged residents to help safeguard government and community facilities.
The commissioner warned that anyone found guilty of interfering with such infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.
He also called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police, assuring that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
About the Author
